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“Nor are they now But Slayde intends to meet with Lawrence Bencroft”

Aurora frowned “He thinks the duke is involved with ”

“Yes, he does”

“Do you?”

“Aurora, I’ve never even e his guilt or his innocence But I do trust Slayde’s opinion, which is obviously based on years of firsthand experience So given what he’s told me, yes, I believe it’s possible that the duke is involved” Courtney drew a sloard breath “To be frank, I’ to the hope that he is—for Slayde’s sake and for mine I intend to unearth the filthy pirate who captured the Isobel And if Lawrence Bencroft isn’t the man to lead me to him, I’ll find the one who is”

The bedcha Matilda and an aromatic tray of food “Lady Aurora—I didn’t know you were here” A twinkle “Although I should have guessed”

“You knoell” Aurora smiled “Matilda, would it be too much trouble for you if I breakfasted here with Courtney?”

An approving glint lit Matilda’s eye “Not at all I’ll just have a quick look at those bandages Then I’ll leave this tray and arrange for another to be brought up” She bent over Courtney, lips pursed as she scrutinized the young wo, Miss Courtney?”

“Much better” was the grateful reply “Thanks to your one Now, if only I could overcome this weakness”

Matilda straightened “Eat every e advice, she hurried off to order Aurora’s breakfast

“Well?” Aurora teased “What are you waiting for? You’d best have eaten at least half your food by the ti” Sobering, she glanced at the timepiece still clutched in Courtney’s hand “That’s lovely Would you like me to hold it so you can eat?”

Courtney blinked, having otten her beloved treasure “ ’Twas Papa’s,” she ifted hiave it to ht before he…” She sed “It hasn’tat it There’s an ihthouse that probably resehthouse” She snapped it open “You’re welco at the watch’s face

“Courtney? What is it?”

“The timepiece It jumped ahead”

“I thought you said it had stopped”